Local boy enjoys VIP visit
As the lucky winner of this years’ Dover Marina Open Day kid’s competition first prize, local boy George Lawford, aged 7, was treated to a VIP tour of the Port of Dover.
On arrival at the Port he and his Mum, Katherine were met by PR and Media Relations Officer Justine Wingate and whisked away for their day out. First stop was a tour around the Marina. Here George learnt how vessels are navigated and berthed and how the swingbridge operates between each dock.
Following this, everyone took to the sea on the Dover Harbour Patrol Launch (HPL), one of the Port’s dedicated vessels that patrols the Harbour 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in all weathers. George learnt how the HPL’s duties include guiding vessels safely into the Harbour and ensuring that, for safety, everyone using the Harbour abides by its rules. He was even lucky enough to see a seal in the water just outside of the Harbour entrance and to show off his driving skills by taking the wheel whilst supervised by the Senior Coxswain xxxx.
On returning to dry land his next stop was Port Control situated by the Eastern Entrance to the harbour. Here he learnt all about navigational safety and how Port Control Officers handle over 140 vessel movements per day including everything from cruise ships and ferries to yachts and pleasure craft. George was thrilled when the passing ferry crews and passengers returned his waves as they sailed by on their way to France.
Before leaving the Port, George was presented with a cuddly toy seal to remind him of his adventure and the real seal he spotted on his visit.
Justine Wingate, PR and Media Officer at the Port of Dover said: “It was a real pleasure to meet George and his Mum, show them around the Port and explain how it works. It’s great to give local people an insight into the role of the Port of Dover, the people who work here and the jobs they do. We all had a memorable day.”